Since graduating with a PhD from University of Otago in 1993, Simon has developed a remarkable career across a broad range of earth science disciplines. His wide-reaching research has played a transformative role in advancing geological knowledge of the South Island and Antarctica.
Simon’s mapping and pioneering investigations have transformed our understanding of the formation of the Southern Alps and plate tectonic deformation in and around the Alpine Fault. The impact of Simon’s work, particularly its contribution to supporting New Zealand communities to better understand natural hazards, was acknowledged when he was awarded New Zealand’s premier geoscience prize, the McKay Hammer, in 2010.
Drawing attention to the role groundwater can play as a hazard, rather than just a resource, Simon introduced the topic of Earthquake Hydrology to New Zealand. His work explores the far-field effects earthquakes can have on groundwater and he was able to demonstrate that aquifer leakage exacerbated liquefaction damage in Christchurch following during the 2010-2011 earthquakes.
Antarctica has also been an important facet of Simon’s career, most recently leading a major international initiative to build a digital geological map dataset of the entire continent.
His early-career work in the mineral industry has supported his aspirations to work with local iwi to grow understanding and help manage their stone and mineral taonga. His research on pounamu directly supports iwi/Māori and is part of a broader package of pure and applied work characterising landscape evolution and hazards from groundwater, earthquakes, landslides, and erosion.
The impact of Simon’s work in New Zealand and globally, and his ongoing efforts to help communities develop resilience to effects of natural hazards and climate change, was recognised in 2021 when he was awarded the Individual/Lifetime Achievement Award from ScienceNZ.
